Mick Clifford: Public deserves to know the unvarnished truth on Bord Pleanála scandals

If public confidence in the planning board is to be restored, there is an overwhelming case to publish the latest report on former malpractice within the organisation

The past hasn’t gone away. If confidence is to be fully restored in the board, and safeguards constructed to ensure no repeat of what happened, the unvarnished truth has to emerge.

There is a trend with scandals or major controversies in this country. 

The matter explodes into the public domain and much political and media hand-wringing ensues. Changes will be made, we are told, that will ensure the unacceptable will no longer be allowed to prevail. The matter at hand itself is hived off to one or other sort of an inquiry.